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Our Story

We Are Big I New York
	Who We Are We are a team of hard working individuals dedicated to the insurance industry, because we believe in the independent agents who work diligently for their customers. We represent over 1,450 agencies and their 13,000 employees, meaning we work hard to foster a sense of community among independent agents. We are the voice of agencies of every size - from small, family-owned agencies to agencies with offices across the state; in every area - from the rural corners of the Adirondacks to the bustling neighborhoods of New York City. No matter where you're from or how big or small you are, Big I New York has your back. What We Do Our mission is to champion independent insurance agents in all we do and provide the resources they need to be their best. We do this through education programs, advocacy, bringing you breaking news, providing marketing resources, offering competitive products and free resources, fostering communities with your fellow independent agents and much, much more. Why We Do it We believe in you. We believe in your goal, in your journey and in your values. We believe that independent insurance agents serve customers best with trusted advice and the right coverage options to protect what matters most.
We believe independent insurance agents serve customers best with trusted advice and the right coverage options to protect what matters most. Meet Our Board of Directors The volunteers guiding the support we provide big i ny CHAIR OF THE BOARD David Bodenstein Mike Preis, Inc. 845.887.4210 dbodenstein@mikepreis.com VICE CHAIR & SECRETARY / TREASURERKelly Gonyo Blue Line Insurance Agency, Inc.518.523.4321 kelly@bluelineagency.com IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR OF THE BOARD Ted Walsh, CPCU, CIC Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc. 716.362.7327 twalsh@walshduffield.com NATIONAL DIRECTOR Ronald Brunell, CIC The Signature B&B Companies 516.823.3133 rbrunell@sbbinsure.com REGIONAL DIRECTOR Mike Zwas, CIC The Insurance Marketplace Agency 585.482.9980mzwas@insmarketplace.com REGIONAL DIRECTORDeena Giltz McCullough Northern Insuring Agency518.825.2145 deenam@northerninsuring.com REGIONAL DIRECTORJames Bastian Advantage Partners, Inc. 866.443.8859 jamesb@apagents.com REGIONAL DIRECTOR Emmanuel Osuyah Alpha Direct Agency, LLC 212.568.5700 eio@alphadrct.com REGIONAL DIRECTOR Marianne McCormick, AAI, CPCU NBT Insurance Agency 607.349.2173 marianne.mccormick@nbtinsurance.com REGIONAL DIRECTORRob Bowen, Jr. Patriotic Insurance Group 845.610.5700 rob@patrioticinsurancegroup.com REGIONAL DIRECTOR David H. Borg, CIC Borg & Borg, Inc. 631.673.7600 EXT. 620 dhborg@borgborg.com REGIONAL DIRECTOR Doug Benz New Buffalo Insurance Agency, Inc. 716.332.1570dbenz@newbuffaloinsurance.com REGIONAL DIRECTOR Matt Maguire, CIC OneGroup 518.483.1770 mmaguire@onegroup.com AT-LARGE DIRECTOR Frank Marullo LeMoyne College 315.445.4100 marullf@lemoyne.edu AT-LARGE DIRECTOR Sydney Roe Vertafore 727.967.6418 sroe@vertafore.com IAAC CHAIR Ted Walsh, CPCU, CIC Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc. 716.362.7327 twalsh@walshduffield.com DIRECTOR Shawn Fitzgerald Sound Harbor Insurance Services LLC 631.517.9211sfitz@lafadvisors.com VICE CHAIRKelly Gonyo Blue Line Insurance Agency, Inc.518.523.4321 kelly@bluelineagency.com DIRECTOR Yvonne McCrea Marshall and Sterling, Inc. 845.454.0800ymmccrea@marshallsterling.com DIRECTOR Steve Testa Cotgreave Insurance Agency 631.981.5400stesta@get-insured.com DIRECTOR Bradley Stahlka Stahlka Agency, Inc. 716.634.7070bstahlka@emsinsurance.com DIRECTOR Charles P. Shank, CIC Shank & Falvey, Inc. 518.477.5150cshank@shank-falvey.com Award Recipients & Applications We are proud to honor the following individuals and associations for their commitment to their education, their agency, our associations, and the industry as a whole!

1882 Fellow Award

This highest honor recognizes the individual member who has most significantly contributed to Big I NY, the industry, and their community.

2020s
2024 - Ron Brunell, CIC
2023 - Kathy Weinheimer, CPCU, AAI (awarded posthumously)
2022 - James C. Keidel, Esq.
2021 - (No award granted this year)
2020 - (No award granted this year due to pandemic)

2010s
2019 - James D. Sutton, CPCU, AAI, CIC
2018 - Mark Hagan, CPCU, ARM, Chair of the Board 2005-2006
2016 - John R. Costello, CIC
2015 - Steve Zogby
2014 - Sharon Emek, PhD, CIC
2013 - Edgar J. Higgins, Jr., CPCU
2012 - Richard A. Poppa, CAE, AAI
2011 - Patrick C. Moore, CPCU
2010 - (No award granted this year)
2009 - Steven J. Spiro, CLU, ChFC

Charlie Public Relations Award (Retired in 2008)

For outstanding effort and accomplishment in the field of public relations.

2000s

2008 - IIA of WNY

2007 - IIA of CNY, accepted by Joe Convertino, Jr.

2006 - Lester Robinson, III, The Northwoods Corp

2005 - JoAnne Murray, IIAWC

2004 - John Stype, Neefus-Stype Agency

2003 - IIAWC accepted by William Cooper Colwell

2002 - IIACNY accepted by Schuyler Hellings

2001 - Stephen J. Suydam - IIA of Monroe County

2000 - IIA of Westchester County

1990s

1999 - Long Island Cooperative Agency Marketing and Queens & Kings and Nassau County and Suffolk County

1998 - Westchester County

1997 - Queens & Kings Counties

1996 - Westchester County

1995 - Westchester County

1993 - Western New York

1992 - Westchester County

1991 - Suffolk County

1990 - Western New York

1980s

1989 - Rockland County

1988 - Rockland County

1987 - Western New York

1986 - Rockland County

1985 - Queens & Kings Counties

1984 - Westchester County

1983 - Bob Bauge, Nassau

1982 - Suffolk County

1981 - Queens County and Westchester County

1980 - Fred De la Sota, Northport, NY (Suffolk)

1970s

1979 - Morty Aaron, Yonkers, NY (Westchester)

1978 - Joseph Tunkel, Lynbrook, NY (Nassau)

1977 - Herbert T. Sugarman, Little Neck, NY (Queens)

1976 - Joseph R. Stein, Yonkers, NY (Westchester)

1975 - New Rochelle Association

1974 - Westchester County and Queens County

1973 - Westchester County and Walter W. Roedel, Nassau County

1972 - Onondaga County

1960s

1969 - New Rochelle Association

1968 - New Rochelle Association

1967 - New Rochelle Association

1966 - New Rochelle Association

1965 - New Rochelle Association

1964 - Albert D. Kahn

1961 - New Rochelle Association

1960 - Nassau County

1950s

1958 - Nassau County

1957 - Troy Underwriters

1956 - Saratoga Springs

Distinguished Service Award

Recognizes individuals who have made a lasting and outstanding contribution to Big I New York.
(Formerly Presidential Citation Award)

2020s

2024 - Scott Hobson, MPA

2023 - Brian Bixby

2022 - Lisa Lounsbury, CAE, AAI, AIS

2021 - Pat Calvert

2020 - (no award handed out due to pandemic)

2010s

2019 - Big I New York Staff
2018 - Allison Just and Lawrence Pistell

2016 - Christine Neet, CPIA

2015 - Karen Peters, CPCU and Jamie Deapo, AAI, AINS

2014 - Michael Barrett, Esq. and Timothy Dodge, AU, ARM, CPCU

2013 - Patricia Calvert and Julie Crowley and Kathleen Lawler, AAI, CIC

2012 - David Gelia and Stephen R. Zogby

2011 - James C. Keidel (Keidel, Weldon & Cunningham, LLC)

2010 - Mark J. Hagan, CPCU, ARM and Kathleen A. Weinheimer, CPCU, AAI

2000s

2009 - Eileen A. Frank, CPCU, ARe, NASD and David M. Gelia and Lisa K. Lounsbury, AAI, CAE

2008 - Vinny Alba and Chris Brassard, CIC and Regina Wright, CAE

2007 - Sharon Koches, CPCU, RPLU, AAI, AU, American Institute of CPCU and Cyndy Smith, Haylor Freyer & Coon Inc. and Kimberly Parks Poppa

2006 - Sharon Emek, CIC, PhD

2005 - Richard A. Poppa, CAE, AAI and Gregory V. Serio

2004 - Steven J. Spiro, CLU, ChFC and Paul W. Babbitt and Vinny Alba and Tommy Dietz, CPCU

2003 - Stephen Zogby and IIA of Suffolk County

2002 - Kathleen A. Weinheimer, CPCU, AAI

2001 - Herbert J. Lustig and Patrick C. Moore, CPCU and John R. Costello, CIC

2000 - Edgar J. Higgins Jr., CPCU

1990s

1999 - John Ecker and George Yates

1998 - Paul Babbitt

1997 - John Ecker and Michael Barrett

1996 - John D. LaValle, IIAANY, Syracuse, NY (Onondaga)

1995 - Lawrence Gilroy III, Gilroy & Kernan, New Hartford, NY (Oneida) and George G. Heine, IIAANY, Syracuse, NY (Onondaga)

1994 - Walter B. Rose Jr., Monroe, NY (Orange) and Carole & Steve Acunto, Chase Group (Westchester)

1993 - Ferdinand L. Coste, Holbrook, NY (Suffolk)

1992 - Carl T. Ernstrom, Binghamton, NY (Broome)

1991 - Ronald N. Belleville, Tupper Lake, NY (Franklin) and John D. LaValle, Syracuse, NY (Onondaga) (Honorary)

1990 - David A. Fazioli, Troy, NY (Albany) and Russell J. Vollmer, Greenlawn, NY

1980s

1989 - Kenneth Pollack, Westbury, NY (Nassau)

1988 - David Twomey, Vestal, NY (Broome)

1987 - Thomas J. Dietz, Mt. Kisco, NY (Westchester)

1986 - Frank Riedman, Rochester, NY (Monroe)

1985 - John Ecker, Montauk, NY (Suffolk)

1984 - Joseph Bonica, Levittown, NY (Nassau)

1983 - Peter Pomeroy, Roscoe, NY (Sullivan)

1982 - John E. Becker II, Seneca Falls, NY (Seneca)

1981 - John E. Becker II, Seneca Falls, NY (Seneca)

1980 - Charles C. Ashley, Warwick, NY (Orange)

1970s

1979 - John F. Reilly, Pelham, NY (Westchester)

1978 - Alan L. Hagerman, Clifton, NY (Chautauqua) and Arthur L. Schwab, Albany, NY (Albany) and Lucille Schwab, Albany, NY (Albany)

1977 - James R. Studgeon, Flushing, NY (Queens)

1976 - Mott P. Greene, Washingtonville, NY (Orange)

1975 - Seymour G. Schwartz, Queens Village, NY (Queens)

1974 - William E. Sheridan, Watervliet, NY (Albany) and Alfred E. Grossman, Mineola, NY (Nassau)

1973 - Joseph J. Propis, Buffalo, NY (Erie)

1972 - Morton S. Seidenstein, New Rochelle, NY (Westchester)

1971 - George G. Heine, Syracuse, NY (Onondaga)

1970 - Theodore R. Tuke, Rochester, NY (Monroe)

1960s

1969 - James R. Kelly, Rosedale, NY (Queens)

1968 - Clifford D. Wicke, Jamaica, NY (Queens)

1967 - Raymond D. Porter Jr., New Rochelle, NY (Westchester)

1966 - Richard J. Buck, Catskill, NY (Greene)

1965 - Matthew D. Lampell, Poughkeepsie, NY (Dutchess)

1964 - Donald A. Fazioli, Troy, NY (Renselaer)

1963 - E. Glenn Giltz, Plattsburgh, NY (Clinton)

1962 - Arthur F. Blum, Rockaway Park, NY (Queens)

1961 - Raymond A. Muth, Newark, NY (Wayne)

1960 - Richard E. Thompson, Valley Stream, NY (Nassau)

1950s

1959 - George A. Kramer Jr., Williston Park, NY (Nassau)

1958 - Sidney Mang, Sidney, NY (Delaware)

1957 - Richard E. Thompson, Valley Stream, NY (Nassau)

1956 - Robert B. Douglass, Potsdam, NY (St. Lawrence)

1955 - David S. McFalls, New York City (Metro)

1954 - Craig Thorn, Jr., Hudson, NY (Columbia)

1953 - Joseph A. Neumann, Jamaica, NY (Queens)

1952 - E. Leo Spain, Glens Falls, NY (Warren)

1951 - Roy A. Duffus, Rochester, NY (Monroe)

1950 - Arthur L. Schwab, Staten Island (Richmond) and A.C. Deisseroth, Syracuse, NY (Onondaga)

1940s

1949 - Jay Rose, Buffalo, NY (Erie)

1948 - Russell M. L. Carson, Glens Falls, NY (Warren)

Local Association Of The Year

Recognizes outstanding effort and accomplishment in the areas of enhancing the image of independent agents, outstanding local association meetings, legislative advocacy, and public relations.

2020s

2024 - Big I WNY

2023 - Big I Suffolk

2022 - Big I Tri-County

2021 - No honor awarded due to the pandemic.

2020 - No honor awarded due to the pandemic.

2010s

2019 - Big I Westchester
2018 - Indepdenent Insurance Agents Association of Western New York
2017 - Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Suffolk County
2016 - Independent Insurance Agents of Central New York

2015 - Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Suffolk County

2014 - The Independent Insurance Agents of Monroe County

2013 - Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Suffolk County and Tri-County Independent Insurance Agents Association

2012 - Independent Insurance Agents Association of Western New York, Inc.

2011 - Independent Insurance Agents Association of Western New York, Inc.

2010 - Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Suffolk County

2000s

2009 - Independent Insurance Agents of Westchester County

Outstanding Company Partners

Based on results of the Big I New York Carrier Index Surveys for National, Super Regional, and Regional carriers.

2024

Top Carrier Partner Commercial Lines - Cincinnati

Top Carrier Partner Personal Lines - NYCM

2023

Top Carrier Partner Commercial Lines - Travelers

Top Carrier Partner Personal Lines - NYCM

2022

Top Carrier Partner Commercial Lines - Travelers

Top Carrier Partner Personal Lines - NYCM

2021

No honor awarded due to the pandemic.

2020

No honor awarded due to the pandemic.

2019

COMMERCIAL
Top Carrier Partner (Over $100 million in NY written premium) - Selective
Top Carrier Partner (Under $100 million in NY written premium) - Sterling Insurance Group

2018

Commercial
Top Carrier Partner (Over $100 million in NY written premium) - Merchants Insurance Group
Top Carrier Partner (Under $100 million in NY written premium) - Security Mutual; UPC/Interboro

2017
Commercial
Top Carrier Partner (Over $100 million in NY written premium) - Liberty Mutual
Top Carrier Partner (Under $100 million in NY written premium) - Utica First
Independent Agents Brand Champion - Merchants Insurance Group
Agency Talent Development Champion - Liberty Mutual

2016
Commercial
Outstanding Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Dryden Mutual
Outstanding Super Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Merchants Insurance Group
Outstanding National Commercial Lines Company Partner - Travelers

Personal

Outstanding Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Sterling Insurance
Outstanding Super Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Andover Companies
Outstanding National Personal Lines Company Partner - Travelers

2015
Commercial
Outstanding Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Erie & Niagara Insurance Association
Outstanding Super Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Merchants Insurance Group
Outstanding National Commercial Lines Company Partner - Utica National Insurance Group

Personal

Outstanding Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Dryden Mutual Insurance Company
Outstanding Super Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Merchants Insurance Group and NGM Insurance Company (tie)
Outstanding National Personal Lines Company Partner - The Travelers Companies

2014
Commercial
Outstanding Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Dryden Mutual Insurance Company
Outstanding Super Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Merchants Insurance Group
Outstanding National Commercial Lines Company Partner - CNA

Personal

Outstanding Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Dryden Mutual Insurance Company
Outstanding Super Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Andover Companies
Outstanding National Personal Lines Company Partner - Safeco Insurance

2013
Commercial

Outstanding Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Dryden Mutual Insurance Company
Outstanding Super Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Preferred Mutual Insurance Company
Outstanding National Commercial Lines Company Partner - Chubb Group

Personal

Outstanding Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Sterling Insurance
Outstanding Super Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Preferred Mutual Insurance Company
Outstanding National Personal Lines Company Partner - Chubb Group

2012
Commercial

Outstanding Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Sterling Insurance
Outstanding Super Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - National Grange Mutual Insurance Co.
Outstanding National Commercial Lines Company - The Hartford

Personal

Outstanding Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Sterling Insurance

Outstanding Super Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Preferred Mutual

Outstanding National Personal Lines Company Partner - Partner Kemper, a Unitrin Business

2011
Commercial

Outstanding Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Sterling Insurance
Outstanding Super Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Peerless
Outstanding National Commercial Lines Company Partner - Travelers

Personal

Outstanding Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Dryden Mutual

Outstanding Super Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Preferred Mutual

Outstanding National Personal Lines Company Partner- Kemper, a Unitrin Business

2010
Commercial

Outstanding Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Dryden Mutual

Outstanding Super Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Peerless

Outstanding National Commercial Lines Company Partner - Chubb

Personal

Outstanding Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Midstate Mutual
Outstanding Super Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Safeco Insurance
Outstanding National Personal Lines Company Partner - Kemper, a Unitrin Business

2009
Commercial

Outstanding Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Dryden Mutual

Outstanding Super Regional Commercial Lines Company Partner - Selective

Outstanding National Commercial Lines Company Partner - The Hartford

Personal

Outstanding Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Dryden Mutual

Outstanding Super Regional Personal Lines Company Partner - Peerless

Outstanding National Personal Lines Company Partner - Kemper

2008

Outstanding Regional Company Partner - New York Central Mutual

Outstanding Super Regional Company Partner - Selective Insurance Company

Outstanding National Company Partner - Travelers

The Vincent Alba Award

Awarded to the individual who makes an outstanding contribution to the political effectiveness of Big I New York.

2020s

2024 - Doug Benz

2023 - Tom Crowley

2022 - James D. Sutton, CPCU, AAI, CIC

2021 - John Costello, CIC, CRIS

2020 -(no award handed out due to pandemic)

2010s

2019 - Ronald Brunell, CIC
2018 - Mark Garvelli
2017 - Andrew Kaufman
2016 - Nicholas Masterpole

2015 - Jill Muratori

2014 - Stephen Zogby

2013 - Michael Barrett, Esq.

2012 - James A. Mickles, CLU

2011 - George D. Yates
2010 - Vincent A. Alba

Trusted Choice® Agency of the Year (Retired in 2011)

Awarded to the agency or brokerage that embodies the Trusted Choice® brand and best exemplifies the Pledge of Performance.

2000s

2011 - Sullivan Financial Group, Mahopac, NY

2010 - James F. Sutton Agency Ltd., East Islip, NY

2009 - DeRosa, Rockefeller, Sohigian & Werdel, Inc., Harrison, NY

ACSR of the Year

Acknowledges the crucial value that customer service representatives bring to the independent agency system and the customers they serve.

2000s

2019 - Lexie Dumont, ACSR
2018 - Monica Skibickyj
2017 - Heather L. Paquette, ACSR, AAI
2016 - Taijwaittie "Shelly" Seenarine, ACSR

2015 - Shelley Roff, ACSR

2014 - (No award granted this year)

2013 - Michelle Dixon, ACSR

2012 - Kristie Ciancaglini, ACSR, CISR

2011 - Michele M. Addesa, ACSR

2010 - (No award granted this year)

2009 - Jessica Towles, AAI, ACSR

2008 - Donna Rose, ACSR

2007 - Sheila Casper, AAI, ACSR, ARM

Community Service Award (Retired in 2007)

Honors agents who display outstanding service to their community through their volunteer efforts.

2000s

2007 - Aaron J. Stein, CPCU, CFP

2006 - Roderick Giltz, CPCU

2005 - Mark Rolling III and Carl Ernstrom

2004 - Dale Peter

2003 - Mark R. Smith

2002 - Steve Dooley

2001 - James A. Stoddard, Sr.

2000 - Aurelius J. “Aurie” Licata, AAI

1990s

1999 - George Schunck

1998 - John Russell

1997 - Joyce Salimeno

1996 - Richard Davies

1995 - Amadio J. Duke

1994 - Maureen Clancy

1993 - Virginia Pellicciotta

1992 - Don Hester

1991 - Donald Stork

1990 - Brian Wallach

Joel S. Pollack Young Agent of the Year

Presented to an agent under age 40 who has displayed an outstanding commitment to their clients, their agency, and their industry. This award was named in honor of Big I New York member Joel S. Pollack by unanimous vote of the Big I New York board in 1999.

2020s

2024 - Yuliya Karpov

2023 - Shawn Fitzgerald

2022 - Carrie Shaw, CIC

2021 - Craig Bender

2020 - (no award handed out due to pandemic)

2010s

2019 - Nicholas Campbell
2018 - Ashley Smit
2016 - Ashley Engl

2015 - Mike Crowley

2014 - (No award granted this year)

2013 - Kristen Steinmiller

2012 - David H. Borg, CISR

2011 - Adam Erickson, AAI and Brendan J. Higgins, CPCU, CIC, ARM, AU, API

2010 - Ryan J. Murray

2000s

2009 - Michael Zwas, CIC

2008 - (No award granted this year)

2007 - Ann Marie Wagner, ACSR

2006 - Michael Shay

2005 - Douglas Katz

2004 - Mark E. Russo, CIC

2003 - Diana Kollevoll, CPCU

2002 - Paul Gugino, LUTCF

2001 - David L. Spiro, AAI

2000 - Stephen Zogby

1990s

1999 - Joel S. Pollack (posthumously)

Outstanding Committee Chair (Retired in 2013)

Presented to an outstanding committee chairperson in honor of and in recognition for his/her extremely effective work as the chairperson of one of the year's committees. (Formerly AAMGA Achievement Award)

2010s

2013 - David H. Borg

2012 - John J. Schwab, AAM

2011 - Andrew J. Kaufman

2010 - Meghan McGarry, ACSR

2000s

2009 - Douglas Katz

2008 - Sharon Emek

2007 - Lane Rubin

2006 - Steven J. Spiro

2005 - Neal L. Sullivan, CPA

2004 - Edgar J. Higgins, Jr.

2003 - Patrick C. Moore

2002 - Steven Zogby

2001 - Robert G. Maltbie III

2000 - Thomas M. Lucie, CPCU

1990s

1999 - Scott McCartney

1998 - Tommy Dietz

1997 - Steve Rosenberg

1996 - David Gosling, Rochester, NY (Monroe)

1995 - Patrick Moore, Beacon, NY (Dutchess)

1994 - Larry Gilroy, New Hartford, NY (Oneida)

1993 - Steven Spiro, Valley Stream, NY (Nassau)

1992 - Gerard DeBaun, Southampton, NY (Suffolk)

1990 - Patrick C. Moore, Fishkill, NY (Dutchess)

1991 - J. Lynne Simmons, Endwell, NY (Broome)

1980s

1989 - Carl T. Ernstrom, Binghamton, NY (Broome)

1988 - Charles Becker, Dryden, NY (Tompkins) and Thomas Ketrick, Endicott, NY (Broome)

1987 - Mike DiMaina, New Lebonon Center, NY (Columbia)

1986 - Lionel Nalven, New Rochelle, NY (Westchester)

1985 - Anthony Keating, Watertown, NY (Jefferson)

1984 - Jeff Wodicka, Glens Falls, NY (Warren)

1983 - David Twomey, Endicott, NY (Broome)

1982 - Robert Bauge, Levittown, NY (Nassau)

1981 - Carl T. Ernstrom, Binghamton, NY (Broome)

1980 - Conrad Scheg, E. Rochester, NY (Monroe)

1974 - Carl T. Ernstrom, Binghamton, NY (Broome)

1970s

1979 - Joseph A. Gundermann Jr., Watertown, NY (Jefferson)

1978 - Robert J. Taylor, Watertown, NY (Jefferson)

1977 - John J. Faley Jr., Yonkers, NY (Westchester)

1976 - William B. Baxter, Johnstown, NY (Fulton)

1975 - Calvin Raff, Flushing, NY (Queens)

1974 - Carl T. Ernstrom, Binghamton, NY (Broome)

1973 - Joseph J. Propis, Buffalo, NY (Erie)

Outstanding Local Board President (Retired in 2008)

Presented to the Local Board President who excels in the fields of local activity, leadership, and outstanding accomplishments.

2000s

2008 - Marcia Brogan (WNY)

2007 - Tim McNelly, ARM, AMIM, CPCU (Monroe)

2006 - Thomas Crowley, CPCU, CIC (Suffolk)

2005 - JoAnne Murray (Westchester)

2004 - George L. Goodman, CPCU (Westchester)

2003 - Garrett Durland (Orange)

2002 - Scott Lobel (Suffolk)

2001 - Stewart I. Szydlo (Nassau)

2000 - Peter M. Stevens, AAI (WNY)

1990s

1999 - Richard Canter (Westchester)

1998 - Nancy Crawford (Monroe)

1997 - Thomas Sternberg (Westchester)

1996 - George Yates (Suffolk)

1995 - Robert Pilla (Rockland)

1994 - Nancy T. Ebert (Buffalo)

1993 - John Costello (Monroe)

1992 - Douglas Cypes (Rockland)

1991 - Steven J. Spiro, CLU/ChFC (Nassau)

1990 - Thomas M. Frey (Queens)

1980s

1989 - Gerard DeBaun (Suffolk) and Dick Nunan (Monroe)

1988 - Nancy Rehm (Westchester)

1987 - Rick Longueira (Queens)

1986 - Vincent Dunn (Westchester)

1985 - Tom Tuke (Monroe)

1984 - Norma Homer (Westchester)

1983 - Gerard Visco (Nassau)

1982 - Russell Vollmer (Suffolk)

1981 - Joan Cooney (Orange)

1980 - Edward J. McLoughlin (Westchester)

1970s

1979 - Kenneth D. Pollack (Queens)

1978 - Robert E. Grey Jr. (Erie)

1977 - Donald N. Urbanke, (Oneida, Herkimer & Madison)

1976 - Louise Coste (Suffolk)

1975 - Peter A. Pomeroy (Sullivan)

1974 - John J. Faley Jr. (Westchester)

1972 - Joseph R. Stein, Yonkers, NY (Westchester)

1971 - R. Peter Barker, Rochester, NY (Monroe)

1970 - Willard F. Smith, W. Hempstead, NY (Nassau)

1960s

1969 - Raymond D. Porter Jr., New Rochelle, NY (Westchester)

1968 - David M. Allyn, Rochester, NY (Monroe)

1967 - George W. Dunham Jr., Troy Area

1966 - John A. Faley Jr., Binghamton, NY (Broome)

1965 - Lester G. Loomis, Monroe County

1964 - Albert Mazula, Plattsburgh, NY (Clinton)

1963 - Morton S. Seidenstein, New Rochelle, NY (Westchester)

1961 - Donald F. Liebert, Nanuet, NY (Rockland)

1960 - Matthew D. Lampell, Poughkeepsie, NY (Dutchess)

1950s

1959 - John F. Russell, Broome County

1958 - Harry Inglis, Troy, NY (Rensselaer)

Thom McDaniel Exemplar Award

This award is presented as a reflection of the individual's dedication and unwavering support of the Independent Agency System by their words, deeds and actions.

2020s

2024 - Ron Martin, AIS, ASF, ARC

2023 - Stephen Saunders, CPCU

2022 - Richard Creedon

2021 - Dan Bierbrauer

2020 - (no award handed out due to pandemic)

2010s
2019 - Joseph Headd, CPCU
2018 - Rosanne Fallon, CPCU
2017 - Mark Berger
2016 - Robert M. Zak
2015 - Bob Baxter
2014 - V. Daniel Robinson II
2013 - Nick Steffey
2012 - Thomas S. McDaniel (posthumously)

Our Story

We Are Big I New York

Who We Are

What We Do

Why We Do it

Meet Our Board of DirectorsThe volunteers guiding the support we provide

big i ny

IAAC

Award Recipients & ApplicationsWe are proud to honor the following individuals and associations for their commitment to their education, their agency, our associations, and the industry as a whole!

This highest honor recognizes the individual member who has most significantly contributed to Big I NY, the industry, and their community.

For outstanding effort and accomplishment in the field of public relations.

Recognizes individuals who have made a lasting and outstanding contribution to Big I New York.(Formerly Presidential Citation Award)

Recognizes outstanding effort and accomplishment in the areas of enhancing the image of independent agents, outstanding local association meetings, legislative advocacy, and public relations.

Based on results of the Big I New York Carrier Index Surveys for National, Super Regional, and Regional carriers.

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Personal

Awarded to the individual who makes an outstanding contribution to the political effectiveness of Big I New York.

Awarded to the agency or brokerage that embodies the Trusted Choice® brand and best exemplifies the Pledge of Performance.​

Acknowledges the crucial value that customer service representatives bring to the independent agency system and the customers they serve.

Honors agents who display outstanding service to their community through their volunteer efforts.​

Presented to an agent under age 40 who has displayed an outstanding commitment to their clients, their agency, and their industry. This award was named in honor of Big I New York member Joel S. Pollack by unanimous vote of the Big I New York board in 1999.

Presented to an outstanding committee chairperson in honor of and in recognition for his/her extremely effective work as the chairperson of one of the year's committees. (Formerly AAMGA Achievement Award)

Presented to the Local Board President who excels in the fields of local activity, leadership, and outstanding accomplishments.

This award is presented as a reflection of the individual's dedication and unwavering support of the Independent Agency System by their words, deeds and actions.

Chair of the Board

Chair of the Board

Chair of the Board

Chair of the Board

Chair of the Board

Chair of the Board

Meet Our Board of Directors
The volunteers guiding the support we provide

Award Recipients & Applications
We are proud to honor the following individuals and associations for their commitment to their education, their agency, our associations, and the industry as a whole!

Recognizes individuals who have made a lasting and outstanding contribution to Big I New York.
(Formerly Presidential Citation Award)

Awarded to the agency or brokerage that embodies the Trusted Choice® brand and best exemplifies the Pledge of Performance.

Honors agents who display outstanding service to their community through their volunteer efforts.